The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Joe E. Halbrook (ASN: RA-19333074), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 15 February 1951 in the vicinity of Chipyong-ni, Korea. Company G was completely surrounded and was undergoing a heavy enemy attack. Corporal Halbrook, a 57-mm. recoilless rifle squad leader, voluntarily moved his weapon forward under intense enemy mortar, small arms and grenade fire to high ground overlooking the advancing enemy. From this position, he destroyed two enemy machine gun emplacements. As a result, the enemy intensified their efforts to destroy his position. As the hostile force drew closer he ordered his squad to withdraw and, despite the fact that he had been wounded twice, remained in position covering the withdrawal with hand grenades and automatic carbine fire. As a result of his heroic action his squad effected a safe withdrawal to an alternate position from where they continued to render supporting fire to the hard-pressed company. The gallantry displayed by Corporal Halbrook reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.